Rwanda National Police

The Governor of Northern Province, Aime Bosenibamwe has urged security organs to reinforce community policing mechanisms which have proved inevitable to further promote public safety and security.

The Governor delivered the message on August 21, during a provincial meeting held in Rulindo District and brought together several security entities like Rwanda National Police, administrative security organ (DASSO) and Community Policing Committees.

It was also attended by local leaders DPCs and police station commanders.

Governor Bosenibamwe said coomunity policing has registered much success in terms of crime detection, prevention.

“Community policing gives citizens more control over the quality of life in their community. It also helps police to become part of the neighborhood and get a better sense of resident's needs, while also developing greater trust for each other,” he said.

“Without the trust and involvement of the community, maintaining security and safety is difficult. Therefore, through community policing, it is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard the welfare of their neighborhood.”

The Commissioner for Community Policing at Rwanda National Police (RNP), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Damas Gatare, also emphasized the need to further get closer to the citizens and involve them in safety and security activities.

This, he said, will help to overcome crimes before they occur, adding that active participation is required from everyone including local leaders.

“Effective community policing is not an instant solution - it requires long-term commitment from everyone involved in order to sustain peace, security and development. By building trust and timely communication between the police and community members, we will ultimately together improve the safety and apprehend criminals who want to set the country back.”

Meanwhile, in a bid to expand community policing activities and further get closer to the communities in the Northern Province, RNP has over the past three months increased the number of police stations from 16 to 94 sectors as part of the ongoing programme to establish its stations in all the 416 sectors in the country

The Northern Province has 96 sectors in the five districts that make up the region.